December 11, 2018 - Restaurantdata

Growing Concepts of Multi Unit Operators

Orlando, FL-based LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE (founded 1981) has increased by 23 units, from 483 to 506 (5% growth). This family/casual steakhouse concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $10-$30+ per person check average. The restaurants have full bar service and average seating for about 250. Trading areas are AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI and WV. Longhorn Steakhouse is a subsidiary of Darden Restaurants.

Houston, TX-based AVALON DINER (founded 1938) has increased by 1 unit, from 3 to 4 (33% growth). The restaurants are family/casual, open for breakfast and lunch, with a $6-$15+ per person check average. Units have seating for about 100. Catering and online ordering are available. All the restaurants trade in TX.

Cincinnati, OH-based BUFFALO WINGS & RINGS (founded 1984) has increased by 2 units, from 55 to 57 (4% growth) and entered into KS and MN. The restaurants are family/casual, specializing in chicken entrees. Locations have full bar service and average seating for about 200. Per person check average is $8-$20+, offering catering and online ordering options. All units are franchised and trade in CA, FL, IL, IN, KS, KY, MN, NC, ND, NE, OH, SD and TX.

Tampa, FL-based NORI JAPAN has increased by 2 units, from 31 to 33 (6% growth). This fast casual Japanese concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. The restaurants are located in mall food courts. All the stores are franchised and trade in AL, AR, CO, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, MN, NC, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, ON, OR, TN, TX, VA, WA and WI. Nori Japan is a subsidiary of Innovated Restaurant Group.

Emerging and Re-emerging Concepts

Concepts with 20 units or less who grew by at least 2 units.

Virginia-based CHEF GEOFF’S has added a new concept called Tortilla Coast (1) and a 4-unit concept called Cafe Deluxe. Other company concepts are Chef Geoff\’s (2) and Lia\’s (1). Overall company increase was from 3 to 8 (167% company growth). The restaurant concepts are upscale, serving American and Mexican cuisines. Per person check average is $15-$50+, with full bar service and average seating for around 250. Catering and banquet services are available. Trading areas are DC, MD and VA.

Repeat Growers

Concepts previously written about in the past 18 months.

Utah-based CAFE ZUPAS (founded 2004) has increased by 7 units, from 51 to 58 (14% growth). This fast casual cafe serves sandwiches, soups and salads, with seating for about 50. Catering and private party services are available. Trading areas are AZ, ID, IL, MN, NV, OH, UT and WI. We last featured this concept on 4/3/18 (13% growth).

Yorba Linda, CA-based CREAMISTRY (founded 2013) has increased by 21 units, from 43 to 64 (49% growth) and entered into GA, NV, NY and China. These quick serve ice cream shops are open for lunch and dinner hours, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Seating is for about 40. Catering is available. Stores are franchised and trade in AZ, CA, GA, LA, NV, NY, TX and China. We featured this concept on 3/6/18 (48% growth).